One of the arsenal's largest commands, Army Materiel Command, issued a message to its employees saying that while a government shutdown it not necessarily imminent, "prudent management requires planning for the possibility of a shutdown."

"A lapse in appropriations is disruptive to our operations and has a tremendous impact on our people. AMC employees should check with their supervisors regarding their duty status, and follow the guidance of their chain of command, in the case of a shutdown," AMC said in a statement.

During the 2013 government shutdown, some 12,000 Redstone employees were sent home, some for as long as 16 days. Some contractors were also sent home and the Commissary closed.

If a shutdown occurs, uniformed military personnel and people in some exempted positions will remain on the job but won't be paid until the government reopens. Non-exempt personnel aren't guaranteed pay though Congress has traditionally awarded back wages.